The Women Behind Our Sails
Female voices help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment on board ASA sailing courses. That shows when you meet the women at Go Sail VI! We are honored to have a team of female instructors, captains, and crew, and love sharing the spirit they bring to every adventure on the water. Get to know a few of the women behind our sails:
Genevieve Evans
Captain Genevieve Evans began sailing on Flathead Lake in Montana before leaving her corporate job and taking ASA sailing courses in the Abacos Islands. It was here that she met Captain Erik, with whom she later embarked on a 1,500-mile journey through the Bahamas.
After her maiden voyage, she understood that sailing wasn’t a hobby for her, but a lifestyle. She found fulfillment where she hadn’t before, and logged 720 days at sea.
After earning her USCG License and taking numerous sailing jobs in the Virgin Islands, she began teaching sailing courses several years later. After teaching for 7 years in the Virgin Islands, she became an ASA Master Sailing Instructor.
Genevieve’s passion and determination aren’t just an inspiration to women. As the founder and CEO of Go Sail Flathead Lake, Go Sail Virgin Islands, and Go Sail Bahamas, Captain Genevieve Evans is a great mentor to sailors of all different backgrounds!
Claire DeDeckere
When you picture someone who quickly turns a desire to learn a new skill into a legitimate passion, Claire DeDeckere is someone who would quickly come to mind for anyone who knows her. Last year, Claire set sail as first mate with Captain Jalil, and within one season, she logged more nautical miles than experienced sailors do in years.
Claire not only found a love for sailing, but she also built lasting connections along the way, making friends with Go Sail VI customers and crew. Along the way, she noticed how important community is to sailing, and she tries to instill confidence in first-time sailors by sharing her inspiring story and hospitality on board.
Alex Kozub
Although Alex Kozub didn’t picture herself as a sailor growing up, she knew sailing was in her blood. With family ties to the British Royal Navy, she grew up far from the village in England where her grandparents raised her mother.
After founding 406 Strategic Communications, Alex met Captain Genevieve in a Facebook group for female business owners. With experience marketing for boat companies, the two felt like a natural fit to work together.
Alex began working with Genevieve on promotional videos and saw a unique opportunity to tap into her maritime roots. She asked if she could receive sailing lessons on Flathead Lake as payment for her efforts, and a new appreciation for sailing was born.
In 2024, Alex went sailing with her family in the Virgin Islands and was impressed by how smoothly it went. While she may have had a familial connection to the sea, learning how to sail proved to be a new chapter in her life that she can share with her family, friends, and women who want to try sailing themselves.
Meet the Women Behind the Sails
We’re happy to share the stories of the wonderful women behind Go Sail Virgin Islands this International Women’s Day. However, every day is a time to celebrate their hard work and success.
By taking ASA courses with our female captains and crew or simply contacting us to chat, you can see for yourself why we are proud to sail with the women who helped establish Go Sail Virgin Islands!